Nigeria, 36 other countries agree to protect universities, schools in war

Nigeria is among 37 nations that has signed a landmark international commitment to protect schools and universities from attack and military use during conflict.

The Safe Schools Declaration was signed at a conference hosted by the Norwegian government and Norwegian civil society on 29 May.

By signing the agreement, the countries agree to support and promote a Safe Schools Declaration that also covers universities:

Implement new Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict by building them into domestic policy and operational frameworks for military forces. The guidelines urge parties to armed conflict not to use schools and universities for any purpose in support of the military effort.

Collect reliable data on attacks on educational facilities, victims of the attacks, and on military use of schools and universities during armed conflict; and provide assistance to the victims.

Investigate allegations of violations of national and international law in relation to such attacks on schools and universities or military use, and prosecute perpetrators.

Develop and adopt conflict-sensitive approaches to education, including in humanitarian programmes.

Seek to ensure the continuation of education during armed conflict and prevent and respond to attacks on education.

Support the UN Security Council’s efforts on children and armed conflict, and those of other relevant UN representatives and agencies.

Meet regularly to review the implementation of the Declaration and the use of the Guidelines.

Director of the Coalition, Diya Nijhowne, said attacks on educational facilities have long term effects.

“Targeted attacks on education are robbing a generation of the chance to realise their potential, with a huge long-term social cost,” Nijhowne said.

“The countries adopting the Declaration are making a commitment to take concrete action to protect students and their education in times of conflict.”

Other countries which signed the Declaration include Afghanistan, Côte D'Ivoire, Nigeria and Palestine, European powers Italy and Spain.

Some world powers like the United States, UK, France, Russia and Turkey were notably absent while some of countries most affected by attacks on education like Iraq, Pakistan, South Sudan and Yemen did not sign.